Outrage As Bulawayo Parking Company Owner Drives Into City Hall With A Rolls-Royce

The owner of the Bulawayo parking management company Tendy Tree Investments (TTI) sparked outrage after driving at City Hall in a Rolls Royce Cullinan.

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Bulawayo Parking Company Owner Drives Into City Hall With A Rolls-Royce

ZimLive reported that Lizwe Mabuza, the TTI chairman, showed up in the US$400,000 luxury vehicle, complete with personalized UK license plates, to attend meetings amid growing criticism over the company’s highly profitable deal with the city.

TTI currently takes a significant 70% cut of parking revenues in Bulawayo, leaving the city with just 30%. The contract, which runs from January 2022 to December 2027, has raised tensions among residents, who argue that the city is shortchanged by the arrangement.

While initially setting parking fees in the central business district at US$1 per 30 minutes, TTI faced public outcry and later adjusted the rate, allowing one hour of parking for the same fee.

City council members expressed concern over Mabuza’s appearance, with one councillor, who asked not to be named, calling the display “tone-deaf.”

They added:

“It’s us as councillors who’re keeping the mob at bay, for now. It’s a fact that TTI is the most unpopular company in this city, and to have this obscene display of wealth at City Hall by one of the company’s directors is adding fuel to a raging fire.”

The Chaos

*Bulawayo Parking Company Owner Drives Into City Hall With A Rolls-Royce [Image: TTI]*

Despite promises from Mayor David Coltart to review TTI’s contract, little has changed. TTI employees have been accused of aggressive tactics to meet revenue targets, including harsh treatment of senior citizens and indiscriminate vehicle clamping.

The revenue sharing terms have also come under scrutiny after Bulawayo’s council revealed TTI remitted just over US$1.5 million from January to May 2024, while its own share was more than double that amount. For many residents, the deal remains one-sided, favoring the private company.

As the calls for a contract review grow, some council officials have hinted that TTI holds sway at City Hall, with several senior figures allegedly protecting its interests. The contract includes an option to extend the partnership by another four years, raising concerns that the city’s share of parking revenue could remain limited for a decade.

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